top of page
Pregnant Belly

Empowering Immigrant Mothers

Are you an immigrant mother who has questions about your rights?

 

We understand that finding information to support you throughout your pregnancy and after childbirth can be difficult.

That's why we've created this webpage, specifically for individuals like you. Here, you'll find valuable information about your legal rights and readily available resources for your specific situation. 

Know Your Rights If You Interact with I.C.E.

Recent reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.)  raids have raised concerns and may cause fear in undocumented and migrant communities. During these stressful times it is important to stay informed about your rights.

Screenshot 2025-02-20 at 2.03.24 PM.png

Every individual in the United States, regardless of immigration status, has rights according to the Constitution. 

The Immigration Legal Resource Center has created printable cards (as seen on the left) as a tool to help people understand and exercise their rights during interactions with law enforcement.

To print or download your own card press below.

Do's and Don'ts

1. You have the right to remain silent.

2. You have the right to speak to an attorney.

3. Remain calm and respectful.

4. Present law enforcement officers with constitutional rights card (shown in red above).

1. Don't open your door. Immigration officers must have a warrant signed by a judge or your consent before entering a home.

 

2. Don't present any false documents.

3. Don't sign any documents given to you before consulting with a lawyer.

Do's

Don'ts

Knowing what to do, and what to not do, in an encounter with I.C.E. can protect you and your community. This guide can help you understand and exercise your rights.

Community Safety Alerts:

Screenshot 2025-03-02 at 6.42.45 PM.png
Screenshot 2025-03-02 at 7.10.39 PM.png

People Over Papers is a resource where community members can anonymously report ICE sightings. Please note that the reports are not confirmed but are meant to support and protect each other.

To learn more about your rights if you detained by I.C.E. and other commonly asked questions, please visit:

Protect Your Health - Enroll In Medi-Cal Before 2026

Patient with Healthcare Nurse

Important Update: If you are eligible for Medi-Cal, enroll before January 1, 2026*

Under current federal administration, California's Medi-Cal expansion for undocumented immigrants may face restrictions beginning January 2026. Enrolling now can help ensure you maintain your health benefits. Please note that applying or using Medi-Cal does not affect immigration status.

 

*Must meet income requirements*

To check eligiblity requirements & to get assistance enrolling in Medi-Cal please press below.

 

Screen Shot 2023-09-05 at 12.17.49 PM.png

Emergency Medi-Cal: Insurance for Undocumented Women

Emergency Medi-Cal offers limited healthcare to eligible undocumented immigrants during a critical condition. Pregnant women between the ages of 26-49 years old are eligible to apply for emergency Medi-Cal.

In California, pregnancy may qualify migrant women to receive emergency Medi-Cal if income requirements are met. 

Rights in the Workplace

Knowing your rights in the workplace, especially during pregnancy, is an important step toward protecting yourself.

1

Accommodations

Employers must provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant employees. For example, having employee work within a reasonable distance from a restroom.

2

Pregnancy Leave

Employers must provide employees with pregnancy disability leave and must grant the employee the same work position upon return.

3

Harassment

Employers cannot harass or discriminate against pregnant employees.

For more detailed information of your rights refer to this infographic.

Free & Low-Cost
Legal Assistance

Do you still have specific questions that have not been addressed? Below are some free and low-cost legal resources to provide guidance and support.

image.png

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights in Los Angeles (CHIRLA)

provides free legal services over the phone. Contact, call their immigrant assistance hotline at: 

 

+1 (888) 624-4752

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Screenshot 2025-02-20 at 1.43.00 PM.png

The Immigration Law Help is a directory that helps connect low-income immigrants to legal help. Enter your zip code and it will connect you to legal resources near you, the types of legal assistance, and contact information.

You Are Not Alone

You are not alone. We all have rights, even if it does not always feel that way. This information is meant to help you understand your rights and take the next step toward protecting yourself and your family. If you have specific questions, please reach out to the legal services, previously mentioned, or trusted legal providers. 

Together, we can protect our families and support each other.

This site is managed by UCLA's Supporting Mothers Project and was designed with the participants of the project in mind. Funding for this site made possible by UCLA's Chicano Studies Department, Bedari Kindness Institute and Institute of American Cultures

© 2025 by Supporting Mothers Project

bottom of page